The Route
Day 1
29th April
Karan Beef (near Heidelberg) to Frankfort
distance 121kmascent 943m
LEAVING ALL BEHIND AND ENTERING THE UNKNOWN:
Within 2 km of the start line you need to savour the sights and smells of Billy Halls dairy cows because the next milk farm is going to be some 515km down the route. A few twists and turns lead you past Karan Beef; the world's largest privately owned beef feed lot. Then we into the first maize farm of the tour. Klien Piet is a Bull of a man and judging by his size he can only have been weaned onto the steaks from next door. Down past his maize lands one cannot but notice the cosmos flowers lining the fence. The river crossing will have your shoes wet for the first time and dare I say it an opportunity to wash your bike after a short vlei.
Now the first single track footpath will lead you into the farm of Karel Cilliers who has some of the shiniest tractors parked in his yard. The flat climb through his maize lands will see many unable to hold back and hammer it to the top. Endless mielie fields lead one onto the flat district roads where big groups will form and grind through the kilometres on their way to the Vaal crossing. Stick with your friends here because if you miss the bus on these roads chances are that you will only see them again at supper. At the seconding table is an interesting crossing of the Vaal dam.
The route then winds its way through hard abandoned farms towards better lands ahead. "Die groot dam" keeps reappearing after avenues of cosmos lined narrow dirt roads. You worry that you are not making much head way until the waters of the Vaal finally disappear as you crest a tough grassy climb. Some around you may lose their sense of humour here but the decent on the other side and a few ups and downs will afford you the first sighting of Frankfort. An easy lead into the town will rejuvenate your legs before the short windy route up and through the neatest "dorpie" in the Free State. The Wilge Sports grounds and the welcomed sight of the race village will be your first of the 8 nights you will spend with us.
Day 2
30th April
Frankfort School to Reitz Showgrounds
distance 90kmascent 749m
Route Profile
THE BACK LANDS:
The first race day will have a short neutral zone out of the town. This zone will be controlled by the biggest, shiniest tractor in Frankfort. This unique lead vehicle shows the way out of the town and along the banks of the Wilge River before it will out run the lead pack and then pull over to allow you all to race towards Reitz. Onto Willies farm one follows a railway line past Makopan station and into the back farms of Willies sister. Through "Egpte Plaas" and down to "Perdebye Hek" will leave one with a sense that you cannot get any deeper into these remote farms.
JP and his mates will just shake their heads as they greet you from their bakkies and Oom Karel will explain the easiest way to Scottburgh is via the N2 in an air-conditioned Toyota. Remote farm tracks lead one onto rolling smooth back roads where peak traffic is a tractor and trailer every 6 hours. The district road eventually becomes jeep track and the remaining telephone poles only function is for nesting birds. Your first sighing of Reitz in the valley below seems to have you running parallel to the town and you will begin to beg for the path to turn towards the town.
Be patient as it slowly bends in the right direction and leads you down the incredible "Boerbull Decent" bottoming out at the 5km to go mark. Flat dirt roads will lead you into the "Bielie Mielie" skoue gronde of Reitz and your overnight venue. Don't over indulge on vetkoek and lunch as the Skaap spit braai is legendary in Reitz.
Day 3
1st May
Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam
distance 125kmascent 1064m
-THE FLATS END AND THE ESCARPMENT APPROACHES:
Another bright red Massey Fergusson will lead the batched pack out of Reitz and along 7km of tar before letting it loose up "Leeu Heuwel". There are real lions at the top of the climb but local "Farmer Brand" did mention that they would be well fed and all accounted for before 7am that day. We pass by a Rose farm and the spot where an escaped lion was only recaptured after 3 days. A fast decent give one some hope as speeds of above 65km/hr are easily achieved. Rolling hills of maize lands have one constantly peaking at an altitude of 1730m throughout the day. At the first water table of the day one may notice hints of sand stone features of the Eastern Free State.
Fast, flat roads broken with sections through various farms lead one closer to "Amberfeldy Farmers Clubhouse" and the venue of the second water table for the day. This is the start of Gary's section and he has had the help of a local farmer and budding mountain biker, Solly. Solly route has been carefully planned through farms which lead one under the main Harrismith / Bethlehem tar road and directly towards Sterkfontien Dam. This clever route has another culvert underpass at the busy Qwa Qwa tar road. Solly, an excellent negotiator who has the added advantage of being a sheep farmer managed to gain permission from the powers that be for the race to cross over the main dam wall. Needless to say Solly is one sheep poorer but has cut-off some 15km for us. Harriston School will be our hosts for the 3rd overnight venue at Sterkfontien resort. The tour will be in a pensive mood as they await the descent into KZN tomorrow.
Day 4
2nd May
Sterkfontein Dam to Winterton
Distance 124kmAscent 1937m
Descent 2624m
DOWN AND INTO THE BUSHVELD CATTLE PATHS:
We are now well into Gary's section and the follow part of the Berg & Bush Descent. This day starts with a few kilometres of district road up Kerk en Berg a steep climb past "Retief's Rock" and on towards the monument of the "Kaal Voet Vrou". Here you find the border crossing into Natal and the farmers there have a surprise up their sleeves. Gary's section is just pure and natural with the drop down the escarpment thrilling. One could not leave out Spionkop Mountain as the history; views and descent on the other side are what make life moving memories.
The cattle tracks around Spionkop and up and over Puff Adder Pass have to be any mountain bikers dream. You can sense that Gary has spent time on his bike discovering new foot and cattle paths which link everything together. This day epitomizes Africa: Hard, hot and not for sissies. This is the African bushveld in all its glory. Many will rate this day right on top of their all time best of the best mountain bike rides. Don't let the total descent deceive you. It is a tough day which is technical and slow in places but it is a route which you just never want to end. You will sleep well in Winterton as you dream of the many sections covered this day.
Day 5
3rd May
Winterton to Kamberg
Distance 102kmAscent 1625m
A DRAMATIC CHANGE IN SCENERY:
Again a tractor will lead us out on a 4 km tar section before turning off into the irrigation farms giving us the opportunity to cut out a big corner straight towards the upper reaches of Wagendrift dam. Spectacular views of the Southern Berg appear as you realize that the bushveld is behind us and the possibility of some big climbs may be ahead. Dalton Bridge built in the 1900's and ahead of you lay 2 big climbs which are the gateway into the Kamberg. The climate changes and the first of many timber plantations appear. After cover some 515km since the first dairy farm the second dairy farm belonging to Greg Symons is crossed. This unique opportunity of traversing right through his farm and past his dairy will amaze his herd. The Winterton to Kamberg stage is anticipating as you feel the change of terrain as you approach the Berg. Kamberg is a contrast to the ride only 24hrs earlier where Thorn Trees change into Oaks and Planes and the air becomes European. Even the Butt brothers are a far cry from Klien Piet. All too soon we are onto the tops of the Kamberg valley and onto the farm aptly named Yorkshire Downs. From there it is an easy rolling finish through lush farms and on Glengarry resort for one of the most picture perfect stopovers.
Day 6
4th May
Kamberg to Underberg School
Distance 93.7kmAscent 1982m
Descent 1946m
WE'RE IN THE MOUNTAINS:
Day 6 and we are back with Wappo in control of the route. Who would have every thought that he would start off with a 50km district road. This route has to have some of the greatest views of the Southern berg. It is a day of two halves. Starting fast and exciting you find yourself sitting up and gazing around until two brutal climbs knock you flat onto your bars. Each ensuing decent is well worth the 40min plus effort. The first climb summits at "Snow Top Farm" some 1864m above sea level. This is the high point of the entire 9 days. After a 12km descent a fresh river wade leads you into the teeth of a brutal climb up the valley road which we have christened the "Valley of Death." For those climbers this 8km climb will be enjoyed but for most it will be survival mode. From the top of the second climb you have rolling pine plantation roads before the last steep technical descent as you approach the short steep climbs leading to the Polo grounds outside Himeville. This is a world class route which will not be forgotten in your life time.
Day 7
5th May
Underberg School to Mackenzie ClubDistance 86km
Ascent 1110m
Route Profile
AN EASIER FLOWING REST DAY:
With all the competitors tents erected around the perimeter of the polo fields one will awake with a full view of Hodgson's Peaks and the majestic Giants Cup. Hopefully you will awake to the sound of birds greeting a superb African day. The fresh mountain air and crystal steams at the start are food for the soul, charging one's spirits for the arduous journey to the coast. The first 18 km of the stage starts on a fast, scenic and undulating district road that will allow competitors time to spread out before moving into a short section of more technical riding through the Oak Dual Track.
You will pass through green valleys filled with dairy cows lazily chewing the cud. Thereafter, you will join the district road for some respite before the first significant hill up View Climb to the highest point of the next 3 days and the last time you will see the Southern Drakensberg. More double single track through The Ferns will lead you down from this point through cool pine forests and to the unique 200m, curved, submerged and PG Bison floating bridge towards Bulwer. Imbibi winds you young pines before a quiet back road will lead one up towards the Bulwer/Underberg road crossing. The first water table and spectator point of this stage will be found after 38km at the Mondi Brooklands tar road crossing.
After the bustle of the table, a quiet forest road leads you up and down Big Ring. The winding single-track descent takes you to a bottom valley road signalling the start of a climb to Big Pines. Across a break you are into Sappi Epsom where you will soon be through Nxuamula and Duma's and on a fast descent into Chestnut Valley. Thereafter, a good climb opens the lungs before you take a cool and often wet descent through the Nxumene Forest, home of the Cape Parrot. Soon after leaving the natural forest, you will be surprised by the second watering table and spectator point situated at Donnybrook station.
As you take leave of your admiring supporters, your legs will feel the climb leading up Bowman's Hill and on to Wappo's single track. The next fast pine forest track will see you dropping in altitude as you enter the final valley for the day. Here you descend all the way through Small Pines and Muffin Top on single track through the pine plantations. The tracks lead past a picturesque dam on Goog's Farm. From here, some of the quietest back roads in the country will punish the untrained on the last short, tortuous Tiny's climb to the finish at Mackenzie Country Club. The farmers from Mackenzie are well groomed at hosting mountain bikers as this is the first overnight venue of sani2c
Day 8
6th May
MacKenzie Club to Jolivet
Distance 96.7kmAscent 2230m
Route Profile
THE MIGHTY UMKOMAAS AND THE SINGLE TRACK:
Soon after the awakening, the reality of what lies ahead will jolt the tour into nervous anticipation. Day 2 of Subaru sani2c is big by any one's book. The early batch start will see A batch competitors hurtling down 7km of district road before entering the start of the keep left pass right double single track of Sappi compartment E20.These tracks will take one past some of the most spectacular views of the mighty Umkomaas Valley. At the 8 km mark past it's into Yankee Doodle. This route was planned for sani2c 2010 but not used because of the bad weather conditions. Will you be the first to experience it? Murray's Meander was the highlight of the 2009 SUBARU sani2c. This 3km section of single track has to be some of the most dramatic flowing single track imaginable. At a first glance one will not believe that a route is possible above the towering cliffs dropping down to the mighty Umkomaas.
After some breath taking single track along old cattle paths and having crossed a number of bridges riders will find themselves being lead straight into Nick's Pass overlooking the Umkomaas River Valley. Dropping into this valley, these fast switch back descents will have your brake pads sending hot whiffs of warning to those behind. From there it's into the 1.8km Sosiba's section also new for 2010 sani and never used due to the weather. After passing the cheering children of Msayana School we find ourselves being lead through the heart of Subaru sani2c. Here you will find the pride of Subaru sani2c 2007 route builders. A 3km bench cut mountain bike pass built especially for the 2007 event. Thereafter, one will experience some of the most enjoyable single tracks to be found. School single track has some technical rocky patches before Greg Minnaar closed gate. A short steep gravel decent lead you down onto Long one's path. Then it is into my personal favourite, Husky Highway. These fast flowing; sweeping curves will allow you a quick glance at the Umkomaas River which is slowly becoming ever closer as you continue you're decent.
A sharp right bend takes you into Mchunu's Pride, a smooth fast bush-lined footpath leading you past his remote homesteads of his two wives, many children and grand children. Leaving the dancing Mchunu's one now enters the real African bush where the flowing single track of Heaven or Hell races through the thorn trees for 3km.The final climax of the drop down the Umkomaas valley is Tamika's Detour which bottoms out on the banks of this mighty river. The pace and adrenalin now changes after some 30 odd kilometres of mountain biking euphoria the reality of the day sets in. You warm your legs on the jeep tracks which lead over Qunu River before opening up into Nyala game farm that team with Kudu, Bush Pig and Nyala. The first significant climbs start soon hereafter with Baby Staesbraes. This game road is not the only thing that goes up. Your heart rate, and the altitude and temperature soar steadily as you climb out of the valley.
Big Staesbraes is a long hot climb that is challenging under the best of conditions. Be inspired by the fact that the steepest gradients are first and things can only get better. The first seconding table will be welcome as you have covered nearly 40km and will be found just after you cross the R56. Thereafter, one veers off into the bush of Dangala Farm and onto narrow game farm roads for 2km before a tricky decent and Impala Bend into the remote Ixopo River Valley. Here one is as far as one will get from civilization. After crossing the Ixopo River a number of times you will follow the valley up through Dawn Valley Farm and up a steep jeep track fondly known as Lamb Legs.
After cresting this difficult climb and experiencing the fast decent on the other side it is into Watervale Far. Aloe Climb lies between you and the second water table of the day. Directly there after it is straight into the teeth of A Push of a climb, Grand View, Hlegabafazi and Out of Africa. Each one becomes progressively easier and the timber plantations of Sappi Highflats signal that things are going to finally become faster and easier. FA single track and Fisherman's Trail are between you and the third table. At Highflats Church you will find the third and last table for the day. Be comforted by the fact that from here it is only a further 16 km to the end. Once over Knocker Climb it's pretty easy going down to Judy's Corner. Puddle Alley will require the last bit of effort from you for the day. Once under the old railway bridge at Hlutingkungu it is onto the dangerous tar for the final 2.3 km and a welcome finish at Jolivet Farm. This day will be remembered as one of your most challenging ever on a mountain bike
Day 9
7th May
Jolivet to Scottburgh
Distance 75kmAscent 1235m
Route Profile
FAST AND FURIOUS:
Be buoyed by the knowledge that today's stage will be a great deal faster and less technical than yesterday's and should be the easiest of all the days. The day starts fast by passing through one of the country's most manicured sugar cane farms. All too soon you into Derek's Doddle whose valley bottom road will afford you the opportunity to appreciate its beauty. A long, quick descent will split the field as will the first hard fast climb of the day. Soon after Clint's Climb the single track "roller coasts" you into new surroundings experienced at every turn. The sweeping cane roads of Drumdarock, Alcatraz and Kevard will move the tour along at a surprisingly brisk pace from farm to farm on its journey to the coast. A few short steep climbs will remind your legs why they needed the training and that they have 900km in them.
It's on into Invernetti Farm and the home of Rogers Root and Sloths Shortcut which help keep the pace high. A open gate signals the entrance into the Vernon Crooke's Nature reserve and ahead of you waits Work to be Done. This is a short, steep, rocky, technical climb which will see some pushing. Look out for the wildlife and appreciate the herd of cheeky Zebra that often escorts cyclists through their plains. Once on the tops and past the dam in the reserve be aware of the nasty decent with a sharp left turn named Hospital Bend. With less that 30km to go you don't want to end your race here. An interesting change in terrain will lead you on to some spectacular single track through coastal bush down Intagai Bush. Once out of Vernon Crookes you are in the cane farm, Esparanza.
Prepare for two surprises that will punish those who start too ambitiously and who are now scratching in the bunch. Just as you think that all the climbs are over for the day, there will be two last stings in the tail, Baby and then Big Heart Rate Hill lie between you and an exhilarating finish at the sea. The cane lands will once again revert to easy and fast dirt road riding down through coastal valleys. Then it's the Concrete Pipe and the Old Renishaw Mill before a short drag into the last single track of Moodie Lane. Should you hold your breath for a brief second you will hear the breakers of Scottburgh's main beach and ahead of you will be the finish line. It's over.
Feel justifiably proud and thankful that you have achieved a feat that many would never consider. Be grateful that you are strong and healthy as you celebrate the successful completion of the inaugural joBerg2c. You are on your way to becoming a legend. Well done!
